Resources
Stuff that actually helps
No sponsored posts. No affiliate deals. Just the gear, books, and resources I've found genuinely useful over three years of riding.
Gear I ride with
Three years and two trikes in, this is what's survived the test of actual use.
Step-through e-trike
What to look forThe single most important decision. A low step-through frame means you can mount and dismount without twisting your hips or knees. Look for a frame height under 18 inches.
Handlebar Phone Mount
Safety essentialNot glamorous, but genuinely transformative for long rides. No more reaching for your phone and nearly crashing trying to answer a call. Also great for GPS and map apps.
Ergonomic grips
Easy upgradeStandard grips put your wrists in an awkward position. Ergonomic grips with a slight upward angle reduce wrist and shoulder strain significantly on rides over an hour.
Rear-view mirror
Safety must-haveA bar-end or helmet mirror is non-negotiable for trail and road riding. You should never have to turn your neck to check traffic.
Front and Rear Racks
Practical additionThis may seem like a no-brainer, but a front and rear rack make carrying all the stuff an old man wants really handy and very customizable.
Bright LED headlight + taillight
VisibilityEven if you only ride in daylight, a flashing taillight makes you dramatically more visible to cars. Get one that's rechargeable via USB.
Joint health resources
These are the sources I've found most useful — not as a substitute for your doctor, but as a starting point for informed conversations.
NIH: Arthritis — Overview & Treatment
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases covers what arthritis is, how it's diagnosed, and the full range of treatments — including why staying active is a cornerstone of management.
NIH: Osteoarthritis — Living With It
NIAMS's deep-dive on osteoarthritis specifically — the most common joint condition in older adults. Covers symptoms, diagnosis, and the evidence behind exercise as treatment. Good to bring to a doctor's appointment.
Mayo Clinic — Arthritis and Exercise
Mayo's overview of exercise for arthritis patients, including why low-impact cardio is often recommended over rest, and how to get started safely. Clear, trustworthy, and free.
CDC — Arthritis: Physical Activity
The CDC's arthritis hub covers the science behind staying active with joint conditions, including program recommendations and how physical activity reduces pain and improves function.
Books worth your time
These are the books that have actually changed how I think about aging and staying active.
Younger Next Year
Chris Crowley & Henry S. Lodge, M.D.
The book that convinced me to stop treating aging as something that just happens to you. The science is solid, the writing is funny, and the argument is hard to argue with. Required reading.
The Comfort Crisis
Michael Easter
About the value of physical challenge and discomfort as we age. Not specifically about cycling, but it reframed how I think about effort and why it matters.
Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain
John J. Ratey, M.D.
The neuroscience of why exercise is the single best thing you can do for your brain. After reading this, skipping a ride feels like a different kind of decision.
The Art of Aging Well
Mark E. Williams, M.D.
A geriatrician's honest, practical guide to staying healthy and functional in your 60s, 70s, and beyond. Less preachy than most books in this genre.
Planning tools I use
These are the apps and websites I actually open before a ride.
TrailLink
The best database of paved rail-trails in the US. Filter by surface type, length, and difficulty. I use this to find new routes whenever I'm traveling.
Ride with GPS
Route planning and GPS navigation built for cyclists. The free tier is enough for most people. The turn-by-turn audio directions mean I don't have to look at my phone while riding.
Weather.gov Hourly Forecast
I check the hourly forecast before every ride. The NWS hourly breakdown is more accurate than most weather apps for planning a 2–3 hour window.
Google Maps Cycling Layer
Turn on the cycling layer in Google Maps to see dedicated bike lanes and paths in your area. Not perfect, but useful for urban route planning.
I don't have affiliate relationships with any product or service listed here. I don't make money from this page. These are just things I've found useful and want to share.
Something I missed?
If you've found a tool, book, or resource that's made a difference for you, I'd genuinely love to hear about it.